i had a stone bruise once (from walking) and it felt a bit like that. for now, i would ice it and see how it feels tomorrow. maybe tomorrow do something else too, like bike or swim or whatever.

if you know your shoes are hard on your feet, maybe it's time for insoles. Concrete is hard stuff. Or maybe even mix it up and run somewhere where you can get some relief (rubberized track, grass next to the sidewalk, park, football field area, etc)

ashley, congrats on doing C25K! Are your Merrells running shoes? I highly recommend going to a running store and being fitted for proper shoes. You will spend more but save yourself much pain and frustration! From my experience, little tweaks and weird aches will come and go when you're a runner. Persistent pain is something you should be concerned about though, like if it doesn't feel better in a day or two.

I need something fun to wear for the race I'm running on my birthday! Preferably something that I don't have to carry and won't get in the way of running. A sash, maybe? Or a cape made from birthday-themed fabric? What do you guys think?

I agree with inceptisol about the running store and that little weirdnesses come and go. I have some aches/pains that when they appear, I know it's time for new sneakers. It's actually kind of funny how consistently that happens. I wore an old pair yesterday and my knee hurts today - time to ditch those! Also, I know that there are some brands I just can't wear. I had these Brooks ones that the running store recommended, but they caused plantar fasciitis.

Inceptisol, how about some kind of hat for your birthday run? Or put balloons on your body? That might get in the way of running, though.

Definitely get your gait analyzed/get professionally fitted at a reputable running store. The right shoes (for YOU) can make all the difference. See if there's a Road Runner near you and, if not, look for a store with a treadmill and video equipment. No one should be recommending you a specific shoe without seeing you run, and the store should have a generous return policy so you can run in your shoes before deciding if they're the right ones for you.

Your foot pain might be nothing. I've sort of got some kind of twinge going on most of the time, all stuff that disappears after a day. If it sticks around any longer than that, or recurs after your next run then definitely don't ignore it. In addition to checking out new shoes, incorporate stretching and running drills into your routine. Everything's connected and a pain in your foot can be caused by tight calves, knee pain by tight hips, etc...

Thanks guys. It still hurts this morning. Walking is still painful. I was thinking about it last night, and I think I know how it happened. I made an abrupt turn and kind of tripped over my own foot (dumbbbb). I didn't realize it at the time, but I think I probably twisted my ankle a little. It didn't swell up or anything, so I'm not worried about a sprain. I just hope it goes away by Saturday so I can do my next run.

i am here to report that:1- i had an amazing run yesterday [i have been running every day when possible, just not posting]. Good speed, good clip, good attitude. and so of course2- today my knee is forking killing me. i was going to go spin today for a change but no, no sirree. good thing, it's not the MCL i tore, it's just soreness in the soft tissue behind the knee. i'm assuming it's just angry from pounding. this weekend i'll be traveling and not able to run, so i guess i get a chance to rest it. in the meantime, lots of ice.

I went to the doctor yesterday about my foot and was told 2-4 more weeks of no exercise. Frustrating! I have not gotten my x-ray results back yet, but the doctor thinks it's just a ligament something or other.

I ran 8 miles ish today in post-blizzard slush against traffic. I had to stop a couple times to check the map and make sure I was going in the right place and I took my time because of the crappy road conditions.

_________________"Vegan to me means Oreos for breakfast." -Poopiebitch"tl;dr: I quit working to drink beer paid for with gift cards" erikasoyf*cker

I did an easy jog yesterday, about 10 km. No pressure, no keeping track of time or pace. Sometimes I just need one of those. Also thought it would be a good idea to cut my knee some slack after the exhausting interval run the day before.

i have lost my interest in every other song, so i've unconsciously found myself doing intervals: love the song! run like the wind! shiitake, this song sucks, gonna walk. Run again! Walk again! I almost listened to a talking podcast instead, i was that desperate.....

Good luck, monkeytoes! I want to hear a full race report when you're done!

I ran a birthday PR today! Don't have my official time yet but my watch puts me around 1:47.30! Aided by a long dowhill section and a lovely course that wound through Italian countryside and past a huge waterfall. And it was my first race in my new age group (35-39!). And pizza for birthday dinner.

Good luck, monkeytoes! I want to hear a full race report when you're done!

I ran a birthday PR today! Don't have my official time yet but my watch puts me around 1:47.30! Aided by a long dowhill section and a lovely course that wound through Italian countryside and past a huge waterfall. And it was my first race in my new age group (35-39!). And pizza for birthday dinner.

I'm part of a brunch running group. It's snowing here and I landed wrong on my ankle but it felt ok so I kept going but we got out to the turn around point and stopped for a few minutes and then I went back out and my ankle just started yelling at me. Thank god for public transit right there!

_________________"Vegan to me means Oreos for breakfast." -Poopiebitch"tl;dr: I quit working to drink beer paid for with gift cards" erikasoyf*cker

My race went pretty well. I had an "A" goal of breaking 4:20 and a "B" goal of breaking 4:30. I was well on pace at the half to make my more agressive goal, but there was a long uphill section (basically miles 9 through 20) and I fell off the pace. I just couldn't keep my heart rate where I wanted and ended up using too much energy. BUT I made my more conservative goal! And most importantly, I RAN A MARATHON! :D

Lemme tell you, Seattle is hilly as hell, but Texas Hill Country is no joke. It was a tough course. But I still love Austin.

My race went pretty well. I had an "A" goal of breaking 4:20 and a "B" goal of breaking 4:30. I was well on pace at the half to make my more agressive goal, but there was a long uphill section (basically miles 9 through 20) and I fell off the pace. I just couldn't keep my heart rate where I wanted and ended up using too much energy. BUT I made my more conservative goal! And most importantly, I RAN A MARATHON! :D

Lemme tell you, Seattle is hilly as hell, but Texas Hill Country is no joke. It was a tough course. But I still love Austin.

Yeahhh! Go you, MToes!

_________________"Vegan to me means Oreos for breakfast." -Poopiebitch"tl;dr: I quit working to drink beer paid for with gift cards" erikasoyf*cker

My race went pretty well. I had an "A" goal of breaking 4:20 and a "B" goal of breaking 4:30. I was well on pace at the half to make my more agressive goal, but there was a long uphill section (basically miles 9 through 20) and I fell off the pace. I just couldn't keep my heart rate where I wanted and ended up using too much energy. BUT I made my more conservative goal! And most importantly, I RAN A MARATHON! :D

Lemme tell you, Seattle is hilly as hell, but Texas Hill Country is no joke. It was a tough course. But I still love Austin.